Keystone · Advisory
Trade Finance Solution Finder
A transparent decision-support questionnaire matching your transaction to relevant trade finance instruments.
In short: Trade finance instruments differ by purpose: invoice discounting and factoring fund receivables; letters of credit and bank guarantees support purchases and contracts; packing credit funds export production. Fit depends on direction, tenor, recourse preference and available security.
Your transaction
Invoice discounting
Match 100%Why it may fit
- Converts receivables into cash without waiting for the credit period
- Scales with sales rather than fixed limits
Limitations & risks
- Cost depends on tenor and counterparty quality
- Buyer disputes or delays still affect settlement
Ask a provider
- What advance rate applies to my debtor profile?
- Which fees are deducted upfront versus at settlement?
Factoring (with or without recourse)
Match 100%Why it may fit
- Without-recourse options can transfer buyer credit risk
- Factor often manages collections
Limitations & risks
- Factor approval depends on debtor quality
- Disputed invoices may be excluded from cover
Ask a provider
- Is the facility with or without recourse?
- Which buyers are approved for coverage?
Export factoring / forfaiting
Match 67%Why it may fit
- Addresses cross-border buyer risk
- Can be combined with export credit insurance
Limitations & risks
- Availability depends on buyer country and tenor
- Country and currency risks need explicit cover
Ask a provider
- Which buyer countries are covered?
- Is ECGC or insurer cover required?
Letter of credit
Match 50%Why it may fit
- Bank-backed payment undertaking builds supplier trust
- Enables usance terms while assuring the seller
Limitations & risks
- Requires bank limits and margin money
- Documentary compliance is strict; mismatches can delay or defeat payment
Ask a provider
- What margin and charges apply?
- Sight or usance — and who bears discounting cost?
Matching uses transparent rules based on your answers; it is indicative guidance, not a financing offer or an approval from Keystone or any lender.
Worked example
An exporter financing receivables with a without-recourse preference typically matches export factoring first, then domestic factoring and invoice discounting.
Related tools
Invoice Discounting Calculator
Advance proceeds, financing cost and effective annualized cost for invoice finance.
Working Capital Calculator
Net working capital, current and quick ratios, and liquidity scenario analysis.
Cash Conversion Cycle Calculator
DSO, DIO, DPO and the cash impact of collection and payment timing changes.
Structure trade finance with Keystone
Estimates are indicative. A Keystone advisor can review your specific position.
Does a high match mean I'm approved?
No — matching is informational. Providers apply their own credit, KYC and documentation criteria.
With vs without recourse?
With recourse: you bear the risk if the buyer doesn't pay. Without recourse: the factor bears approved buyer credit risk, at a higher cost.
This tool provides indicative estimates for education and planning only. It is not investment advice, a fairness opinion, a tax computation, a financing offer or a regulatory determination. Consult a qualified advisor before acting on any result.
Service: Trade Finance